He said he would go to the court on his return in compliance with its order. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE

NEW YORK:

Former President Pervez Musharraf said Saturday that he would return home some two and a half months before the forthcoming elections to breathe new life into his party – the All Pakistan Muslim League to boost it electoral chances.

Addressing a public meeting here in the hall of Soundview Broadcasting, APML chief said that he was convinced the people of Pakistan were ready for a political change and he would play his role in this regard.

Musharraf had pledged last year to end his self-imposed exile and fly back to Pakistan, but then postponed his return citing security threats. At a press conference afterwards, Musharraf was pressed by journalists to give an exact date of his return to Pakistan.

“I have not set any date as yet because no date has been fixed for the elections (which are expected to be held in May),” he said. When told that he could be arrested on his return to Pakistan, Musharraf said that his arrest warrants stemmed from his non-appearance in a Pakistani court to face the charges levelled against him.

He said he would go to the court on his return in compliance with its order.

“No risk, no gain,” Musharraf said when asked why he was risking his life by deciding to return to Pakistan. “I have no enmity with anyone, but I have love for Pakistan”, he added. Musharraf devoted his speech to defending his record in office, claiming Pakistan had recorded all-round progress.

A leader can be a dictator but dictator must not necessarily be a leader.Mr Musharaff story tells he is not a leader of the staure to be wellcome by public at all cost.That realisation is keeping him coming back home.

sir, please come back and save this country from looters, ppls were very prosperous in your era… now the nation had understood the importance of good leader like u… i am damd sure that the nation would never disappoint you… WE ARE WITH YOU ..

We need you back. 2000-2008 were the best 8 years Pakistan has seen since her existence. We need a progressive leader like you to lead us out of these dark times. I wish the Pakistani “Awaam” would understand this. Best of luck and Inshallah you will save the country once again, like you did in 1999.

Its simply sad to see people over here are just too ignorant to accept a plain fact that Musharraf’s tenure was way better than all governments/military rules combined. Bad governments are bi-products of bad decisions by the people. First we impose these no-good, illiterate, corrupt and feudal lords on us and then a couple of years down the line we scream REVOLUTION. Let’s try and not get high before voting the next time around and choose what’s best for the country. A nation that is currently led by a bunch of criminals (there are no two opinions about this), if governed by men of some principles then there is still hope for Pakistan. Otherwise, Pakistan ka Allah he hafiz hai.

@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: Fully agree with you, Sir. He is a full Pakistani, which is far better than ‘adha teetar, adha batair.’
The only problem with Musharraf is he got blanketed by the PMLQ with their cajolery, sycophancy, and backward somersaults on important issues like the Hudood Ordinance, Police Order 2002, and Kalabagh dam.
Salams for 2013

@Ata: It’s sad to see that people are so ignorant that despite witnessing 9 years of dictatorship do so much damage to the country, they would even stomach to have the someone like Musharraf come back. The guy should be arrested and charged with treason for failing to uphold his military oath to respect the constitution and for pushing back development in Pakistan 25 years by undermining the state’s institutions.

Sir Please come Pakistan needs you the most. You are the only leader who has the potential and strength to take the country forward. Your era was prosperous era for the people of Pakistan and now we are suffering numerous problems by the current government. Hopefully again inshallah we will see a prosperous era if you return to Power. Musharraf Zindabad and Pakistan Zindabad.